With three coastlines stretching for hundreds of kilometers, and some of the finest beaches to be found anywhere in Southeast Asia, Thailand has become a major travel destination for lovers of all kinds of water sports. A number of excellent resorts offer a full range of equipment at reasonable rates for anyone interested in exploring the pleasures of deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, or swimming in crystal clear waters.

Thailand offers some of Southeast Asia's finest diving opportunities in Gulf waters around Pattaya, Sattahip, Rayong's Samet island, Trat's Koh Chang Marine National Park, Chumphon and Surat Thani's sparkling archipelago which contains the beautiful Samui island and Angthong Marine National Park: and in the Andaman Sea on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline around Surin, Similan, Phuket and Phi Phi islands, and Tarutao Marine National Park near the Thai-Malaysian maritime border. Professional dive shops in Pattaya and Phuket teach neophyte divers. Snorkelling opportunities abound throughout Thai waters.

One of the first and still one of the most popular water sport centers is Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand, just two hours drive from Bangkok. The main beach is located on a scenic bay, but facilities are available along the coast for several kilometers. There are also more than 30 picturesque offshore islands with a wealth of coral and many types of tropical fish.

The other major water sport center is the southern island of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. Here on the west coast there are more than 14 magnificent white sandy beaches, all with warm, clear waters, as well as a large number of nearby islands that boast diving conditions to rival the best in the world.

Bangkok
Busy, bustling and certainly colourful; Bangkok is Thailand’s vibrant capital city. Escaping the city to explore the underwater world is easy with day-trips to Pattaya or longer trips to other destinations around Thailand easy to organise. What better way to chill out and relax than by enjoying colourful reefs and great wreck diving?

Khao Lak
Diving around Khao Lak will encompass hopping on a liveaboard; one of the best ways to dive! The Similan Islands offer kaleidoscopic colours, Richelieu Rock and Koh Bon are hotspots for whale sharks and manta rays and if you prefer smaller critters then you’ll love the Boonsung Wreck. On the surface, Khao Lak is a stunning, picturesque region with white sand, palm fringed beaches, lush tropical rainforest and breath-taking natural beauty.

Koh Chang
A typical Thai tropical island with white sand beaches and a laid back approach to life, Koh Chang (Elephant Island) is a great place to unwind. With good wreck diving on the HTMS Chang and rock pinnacles such as Hin Luk Bat and Koh Rang nearby you can be assured of some amazing diving and interesting marine life.

Koh Lanta
A popular diving holiday destination for good reason. Koh Lanta’s dive sites are some of the most famous in Thailand with non-stop action featuring whale sharks, manta rays, leopard sharks, an incredible wreck, countless critters and a plethora of reef fish. On land the island has a relaxed and laid back vibe. If you want to combine action packed dives with slow and relaxing afternoons then Koh Lanta is an ideal destination.

Koh Lipe
Close to the Malaysian border and home to unique marine life species, Koh Lipe is a marine life heaven. Highlights include 3 turtle species, dugongs, dolphins, manta rays, whale sharks, devil rays and both minke and sperm whales. The Tarutao National Park encompasses 30 tropical islands and innumerable possible dive sites which include rock pinnacles, sloping reefs and drop offs. Macro life here is equally rich and when you are not diving, the island offers fantastic beaches, friendly locals and a fusion of cultures.

Koh Phangan
One of Thailand’s livelier diving destinations with dive sites in the area renowned for whale shark sightings and some of Thailand’s most iconic pinnacles. Sail Rock (Hin Bai) is one of Thailand’s most highly regarded dive sites with whale sharks and stunning underwater topography. For colourful reefs and some of the healthiest corals in the area try the Angthong Marine Park which encompasses 42 limestone islands and an incredible array of marine bio-diversity. You’ll also find night life options ranging from quiet, sunset cocktails and dining through to full moon parties and dancing until dawn.

Koh Phi Phi
Surrounded by national Marine Park it is clear why the producers of the movie “The Beach” decided on Koh Phi Phi as their island of choice. Surrounded by rugged pinnacles, secluded bays, aquamarine water and sublime beaches, Koh Pho Phi is a natural beauty. Somewhat busier now than depicted in the movie, Koh Phi Phi is a popular destination due to its picturesque reefs, healthy coral gardens and exotic marine life. You’ll find everything from lazing leopard sharks to passing whale sharks and when you’re not looking at the larger inhabitants you’ll notice the schools of jewel like damsels flitting around the reef. Koh Phi Phi promises top class diving and is well worth the visit.

Koh Samui
At the foot of Koh Samui’s mountainous tropical rainforests lay some of Thailand’s most photographed beaches. Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand and it offers something for everyone, from backpackers to billionaires it’s possible to find your place here. Underwater is equally varied and no less impressive with colourful reefs, caverns and swim throughs. Pinnacles such as Sail Rock attract passing pelagics and Shark Island which, as the name suggests, is a great shark sighting spot but also home to a diverse range of reef fish and macrolife.

Koh Tao
With varied underwater scenery boasting everything from rock pinnacles and healthy reefs to great shipwrecks, Koh Tao is a firm favourite of many divers. Of course, it helps that it’s possible to see leopard sharks and whale sharks on top of the usual array of reef fish you would expect from the Chumphon Archipelago. Above surface, Koh Tao has rugged cliffs, beautiful white sand beaches and sunsets which will impress even the most discerning of travellers.

Krabi
From minute macro-life to passing pelagics, Krabi offers a diverse range of marine life together with an abundance of healthy, vibrant coral reefs. Bida Nok is well known for its sea snake and turtle populations and the Ao Nang Local Islands offer diverse dive sites with caverns, slopes, walls and swim throughs. On shore, Krabi and its numerous nearby islands are characterised by stunning vistas and a laid back yet adventurous vibe.

Pattaya
Having come a long way from its small fishing village roots, Pattaya is now a vibrant resort city and a great destination for those who enjoy more developed destinations with a passion for wreck diving. You’ll find great night life and all the amenities you can think of on land. Underwater you’ll be equally well provided for with the HTMS Khram, HTMS Kood and Hardeep wrecks.

Phuket
As one of Thailand’s first resort destinations, Phuket is a great destination for relaxing and enjoying great resorts and beaches in comfort. Phuket has excellent nightlife which can be as lively or as tranquil as you want it to be – there really is something for everyone. Nearby dive sites and marine parks offer varied topographies and marine life ranging from bamboo sharks at Shark Point, incredible biodiversity at Koh Dok Mai and a kaleidoscope of colours at the appropriately named Anemone Reef.